Policy Statement
Use of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church Facilities
 

General Guidelines:

Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church welcomes the use of its facilities by groups whose aims, purposes, and goals are consistent with those of the church.  We especially encourage functions which contribute to the glory of God through Christian fellowship and Christian witness. 

An application to request Use of Facilities must be completed on the current form available in the church office or on the Brownson website, and submitted in a timely manner, to allow for approval prior to use of the facilities.  

Applications may require Session approval; therefore, completed applications should be submitted at least two months in advance of the proposed use date.  

The purpose of the facility use should be clearly stated on the application. Completion of annual renewal applications is required for recurring use.  

Applicant must indicate on application if a fee will be charged for entry or if solicitations for a pledge, contribution, or a free-will offering will be made. “Free-will offering” means a non-ushered offering received by placing collection containers in a central location such as the Narthex or Atrium, and in which collection plates would not be passed. 

The Church Administrator or Administrative Assistant accepts completed applications in the church office.  They will determine any scheduling conflicts and notify applicants of approval or denial of requests. The Administrative Division Chair will be notified of requests received.  
BMPC functions have priority use of all facilities and equipment. Unexpected events, such as a funeral may necessitate the cancellation of previously approved use of facilities. 

All users of BMPC facilities must comply with the “Responsibilities of Users” listed below. 

 “Facilities” is defined as all buildings and all grounds on the BMPC campus located at 330 S. May Street, Southern Pines, NC.  

“Area” is defined as a specific location such as: Atrium, Choir Room, Conference Center, Education Building, Fellowship Hall, parking lot, or Sanctuary.  

Responsibilities of Users:

1. Parking will be limited to the Ashe Street and Massachusetts Avenue lots.
2. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.  Smoking inside is also prohibited.
3. Due to other functions, time limits as stated and approved in the agreement must be followed.
4. The requesting party will be responsible for set-up and clean up.  However, they may contract with the Sexton to perform these functions.  These functions must neither interfere with the Sexton’s regular responsibilities nor the normal church operations.
5. All lights must be turned off and thermostats returned to their original settings after use.
6. All windows and doors must be secured before leaving.  Under no circumstances are doors to be wedged open during building use.
7. Children must be supervised at all times.
8. The requesting party must furnish their own media equipment if needed.  Church equipment will not be available.
9. Facility use is limited to that approved in the application.  Any change in space must be submitted to the church office for consideration. Kindly notify the church office of any changes in scheduling or cancellation of meetings.
10.  In the event that the time of use is after normal church office hours, arrangements must be made for the responsible party to pick up a key or key card from the church during office hours.  The key is not to be duplicated and must be returned to the office the next business day following the end of use.
11. All doors /windows must be secured and all persons must be out of all buildings by 10:00 p.m. when the church security system activates.
12. If the kitchen facilities are to be used, the requesting party must adhere to the Kitchen Use Policy stated below.

The areas used must be left in the same condition as found.   Custodial fees may apply should this requirement not be met. 

Categories of Users of Facilities:

1)  For-Profit Individuals and Organizations ~Use of facilities is not permitted.

 2)      BMPC Groups or Individuals

a)      Church event, single use ~ No fee charged.

b)      Non-Church event, single use ~ “Member fee schedule” applies.

c)      Non-Church event; recurring use ~ Session to determine if a fee applies.

 3)  BMPC Supported[1] Non-Profit Organizations ~

a)  Single use or regular meetings: No fee charged.

b)  For Fundraiser[2]:

o   Session approval is required to ensure that the type and method of fundraiser is appropriate. 

o   An active BMPC member must sign as a sponsor on the application for use of the facilities.  That member will accept responsibility for the sponsored group and shall be at the church during the preparation for the function, during the function itself and during the clean up.  If the member/sponsor is unable to be present during these times, arrangements should be made to have an authorized church representative on the premises.  Such representative should be given ample notice.  Depending on the church representative present, the group may be responsible for his/her hourly wage.

o   “Non-member fee schedule” applies. 

o   All other church policies are applicable as well.

4)      Non-BMPC Groups or Individuals (Non-Profit) ~

An active BMPC member must sign as a sponsor on the application for use of the facilities. That member will accept responsibility for the group or individual requesting use of the facilities and shall serve as the church liaison if needed.

a)      Single use: “Non-member fee schedule” applies.

b)      Regular use:  Session to determine if a fee applies.

Fees:

Member Fee Schedule, single use:

a.    Use of one area only ~ $100

b.    Use of one or more areas and “limited use” of kitchen ~ $150

c.     Use of one or more areas and “full use” of kitchen ~ $200

 Non - member fee schedule, single use:

a. Use of one area only ~ $200

b. Use of one or more areas and “limited use” of kitchen ~ $300

c. Use of one or more areas and “full use” of kitchen ~ $400

Fees do not apply to facilities used in association with funerals or memorial services, as specified in the current funeral policy booklet. 

Fees may apply for use of the facilities for weddings, as determined by the current weddings policy booklet.

 Kitchen Use:

All BMPC kitchen supplies are intended solely for use at church functions.

 Pantry items, disposable dish and tableware, linens, placemats, tablecloths, and table decorations are not available for non-church groups or individual’s personal use.

 “Limited Use of Kitchen” Applicant may use kitchen serving and preparation areas; Refrigerator and Freezer; Microwave; Coffee Urns; Ice Maker; Serving Platters and Serving Tableware.

 “Full Use of Kitchen” Applicant may use kitchen serving and preparation areas; Refrigerator and Freezer; Microwave; Coffee Urns; Ice Maker; Serving Platters and Serving Tableware; Stove; Oven; Griddle; Dishwasher; Silverware and Dishes; Salt and Pepper Shakers.  

Kitchen must be cleaned following use with all items left as they were found; clean, dry and put away. Floor swept and counter tops wiped down. No church items should be removed from the premises. Garbage must be taken out to the dumpster. Training is available for appliance use. Report any problems to the Church Administrator as soon as possible.